Student Spotlight: Ella Dysard

ABOUT ELLA

Ella stands on the staircase inside the Student Center, with words from the alma mater displayed behind her.
  • From Tiffin, OH
  • Member of the Class of 2028
  • Majoring in digital media production
  • Tour Guide
  • Member of film club and ski club

A piece of advice I would give is: talk to people in your classes!  There are so many people from all different backgrounds attending Kent and everyone's experience is unique.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT AT KENT STATE!

I am a Digital Media Production major and Drawing minor. My personal experience here at Kent State has been amazing. I have met so many people through campus events and by being part of clubs and organizations. These are people I could see being part of the rest of my life. In addition to being a tour guide, I'm part of a film club where we watch and discuss a different movie each week.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE KENT STATE?

Kent State has been a part of my life for years because my mom, who is an alumna, would tell me about her time here. My family is also friends with a previous professor who loved working at Kent. This made me want to tour the campus to see what was so special about this university. I remember looking at my dad after my tour and saying, "this is where I'm going to college."

Ella and a friend sit on the floor with two Golden Retrievers and a Black Lab.

WHEN DID KENT STATE START TO FEEL LIKE HOME?

Kent State felt like home when I found my friends. The best way to find your community is to participate in campus events and join clubs and organizations, which is how I met my friends. Another way is just to talk to people in your class.

WHAT'S A COOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD?

During my first year, I joined the ski club, and every year, the club travels to a cool place. Last year, I was able to travel to Copper Mountain and ski in Colorado.

WHO HAS MADE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?

The Provost of the University, Melody Tankersley, has made my experience special. I got the chance to meet her after my tour, and we instantly clicked. I love having dinner with her outside of classes and work.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY?

My favorite memory from my time is when I went to a birthday dinner for my friend just off campus.

At one of our Future Flash Day events, I talked to a student who said that taking a tour during the event helped him change his perspective on Kent, which was such an amazing thing to hear.

Ella poses with Provost Tankersley at a Provost Leadership Academy presentation.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, POST-GRADUATION?

My ultimate career goal is to be able to work in an art department in the film industry. I would also love to be a script writer for film. Kent State has helped guide me down the path to what I want to do as a career. My major teaches me every aspect of filmmaking, from directing and script writing to editing in post-production. By adding an art minor, I expanded my knowledge of filmmaking.

WHY SHOULD OTHER STUDENTS CHOOSE KENT STATE?

You should choose Kent State because of the opportunities both on- and off-campus. On campus, you can participate in leadership programs and events. Outside of campus, students can study abroad and do internships.

POSTED: Friday, April 24, 2026 01:43 PM
UPDATED: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 04:27 PM